Paris to host Formula E in 2016

The city of Paris will host the first European round of the 2015/16 Formula E season. The Paris ePrix will take place on April 23 on a temporary track designed by Electric Formula and built around the architectural complex of Les Invalides.

The French city therefore joins other world capitals such as Beijing, London, Buenos Aires, Berlin and Moscow and other outstanding locations on the calendar for the second season that was recently released at FIA World Council meeting, which took place in Mexico City.

Seeing the development as a significant step forward in the globalization of the series, Formula E Chief Executive Offier Alejandro Agag said, “Staging a Formula E race in the heart of Paris is undoubtedly a landmark in the development of our series. I am particularly pleased that a city that is so involved in energy transition and sustainable development will organize a round of the championship. The splendid setting of Les Invalides will deliver a unique and futuristic spectacle in an historic venue, making this French leg a real highlight of the championship.”

“Paris supports this championship for Formula E cars, because it is a fantastic accelerator for innovation in the field of electric mobility and its promotion in our towns,” Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Paris said.

Patrick Kanner, the city’s minister for young people and sport, believes bringing a round of the FIA Formula E Championship to Paris is an important prize for French sport. “On a daily basis, we are working with Thierry Braillard, the Secretary of State for Sport, to ensure that France is seen as a fitting venue for major international sporting events. But these events have to match our values, be sustainable through public financing, respect the environment and appeal to the French public. That is why the government is actively supporting this event.”

Delighted there will be a French involvement in this latest motorsport discipline, Nicholas Deschaux, president of the FFSA (the French motorsport federation) was quoted as saying, “Holding an international caliber electric car race at such a prestigious venue, right in the heart of the capital, is bound to offer an extraordinary spectacle in 2016, especially with the participation of Renault and DS.”

“I was able to observe the early origins of this project, a concept brought to life by former lynchpins of the French Federation, Pierre Gosselin and Eric Barbaroux. The FIA Formula E Championship has been a great sporting and technological success in its first season, featuring closely contested races. Six French drivers also distinguished themselves, with the historic first teams’ title going to e.dams,” he added.